Major Injury Collision/ Driving Under the Influence Arrest

Last Updated on October 3, 2022 by C-CAR

On Sunday, September 18, 2022, at 4:49 PM Thermal Station deputies responded to a report of a major injury collision at the intersection of Avenue 48 and Dune Palms Drive in the city of La Quinta. When patrol deputies arrived, they located two vehicles, a white 2009 Nissan Rogue, and a gray 2021 Dodge Durango, with major collision damage. The four occupants of the Nissan Rogue had major injuries and were transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The driver of the Dodge Durango, Daniel Jesus Barrera, a 21-year-old resident of Indio, refused medical treatment. Members of the La Quinta Traffic Team arrived and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation found both vehicles were traveling westbound on Avenue 48 near Dune Palms Dr. Barrera was traveling at a high rate of speed and collided with the rear end of the Nissan causing the Nissan to lose control and roll over.

Barrera was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol when the collision occurred and was arrested for driving under the influence causing injury. He was booked into John Benoit Detention Center.This collision is still under investigation and anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy J. Shields of the Thermal Station at 760–863–8990 or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident #LA222610028.